Wicket golf game



June l 1,926.

1,587,295 H. c. GAMMETER y wIcKET GOLF GAME Filed Jan. v1o, 1924 zsheets-'she'etl Nq* NM. -MQ/fh 12v VEA/2101@ June 1 1926. I 1,587,295 H, C. GAMMETER WICKET GOLF GAME Filed Jan. 10I 1924 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 H. C. GAMMETEZR wIcKET GQLF GAME Filed Jan. 1o, 1924 3 sheetsfsneet's June I `19226.

strokes, and also Patented June 1, 1926.

HRY G. GAHIETEB, OF CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OHIO.

wicxnr Goma` am.

Application filed January 10, 1824. Serial No. 685,815.

This invention relates to a new form of a game of golf and tothe system of layin same, wherein the golf ball is driven t roug a wicket instead of into a cup. The invention includes the contemplated new' form of golf and novel apparatus designed to carry out the playing of the game, and the objects include the making of simple and keasily mfanufactured devices for the purpose thereo A general object is to so arrange the gaine and apparatus and method of playinor that it may adapted for playing in a mea ow or field, not otherwise prepared forthe game, that is, over areas which would make the playing of the present form of golf quite impractical. Thus, my invention comprises the adaptation of a game of golf to an arrangement of a series of legs comprising the course of lawns of limited area or an arrangement of a series of links corresponding to the fairways and greens of the usual game, but requiring no preparation or attention, therefore, affording a game which may be extremely inexpensive and capabley 0f use over ground varying in character from that of large lawns to that of rough areas of fields.

For convenience I have illustrated an adaptation of my wicket golf game for usel in a meadow, such for example as pasture lands and similar fields of a farm. This I term meadow golf and it'is hereinafter described. vI have outlined the use of the game for nei hborhood golf which may include vacant ots, lawns and the like, of the city or suburban neighborhoods, and a third form is described showing the utility of the game and the convenience of use in very limited areas, which I term lawn golf.

The meadow golf may be played with the use of a marker arranged to point out the direction of the next hole and carrying indicia indicating the direction, distance, para suitable tee device which may be placedv adjacent the marker, for

' driving olf. The hole is at a chosen disl tance over Whatever intervening hazards -may occur, is marked by a wicket so positioned as to favor a good approach and which carries a marker or number indicating the number of the wicket, that is,-c'or responding to the number of the hole and preferably with means of indicating la par. For a further understanding of my invention, reference may be had to the illustrations of the accompanying drawings showing principally the equipment and arrangement of meadow golf, there being also illustrations of the equiment for lawn or neighborhood golf. The following description rev, lating thereto sets out the manner and system of pla ingeach of these games.

In the rawings Fig. 1 is a view of the farmland, or meadow, on which my wicket golf game may be layed. The view shows the apparatus, inc uding the markers and 'I wickets, laid out for a golf course; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the driving tee and mat; Fig. 3 is a front view of a wicket;

Fig. 4 isa vertical section through the same,

Jfaken 'on a slightly enlarged scale; Fig. 5 1s a view ofa marker at the driving position; Fig. 6 is an enlarged side elevation of the same;.Fig. 7 illustrates the arrangement of a numeral disk and frame of the marker; Fig. 8 1s across section through the marker Aon a plane indicated on the line 8-8 of Fig. 5; Fig. 9 is a view of a group of complete wicketsm and markers for a nine leg course; Fig. 10 is a group view of a simplified set for. use in a smaller area, either the neighborhood or lawn golf.

Referring to Fig. 1, A. designates a marker arranged to stand edgewise and thereby point toward `the direction of the next wicket, which is positioned corresponding to tlie"ho`le as appears in the lower portion of Fig. 1, designated at B: As stated, the marker and wicket carry indicia as will be hereinafter specifically pointed out. A tee plate desi ated C is simply laid'on the ground a jacent the marker A to allow driving off in a direction toward the first wicket B. The distance indication on Athe marker A shows the distance in yards from the position of the tee plate C, substantially along a direct line, as indicated by the broken line between the drivin position and the wicket,y vIlach wicket has its own tee plate. It will be noted that near the f irst'wicket B is a second marker A, facing to point in a direction toward the second wicket B. Noting the broken lines, as shown inthe View of Fig. 1, this arrangement 'canfbe seen to follow over the fields with various natural intervening hazards between'the driving positions and the wickets. A complete course is preferably laid out so that the last wicket brings the player back to a point near where he started on the first, as is customray with the standard game of golf. The course may be arranged for nine or eighteen holes, or more or less as the user may desire.

In describin in detail a preferred form of tee marker an referring to the illustration of Figs. 5 to 8, it will be seen that the marker is made of a. U-shaped piece of wire or rod 5, the upper portion being shown substantially circular, while the lower portions are spaced apart and vertical, the lower ends' being pointed to facilitate thrusting them into the ground. On the circular portion is carried a flat plate 8, preferably of metal which may be secured thereto by any suitable means, such for example, as spot welding. This plate is preferably finished with surface treatment such as enamel paint.

On the face of the plate 8 may be an arrow or other pointer, indicating the direction towardthe next wicket. As shown below this, is also the word Par, opposite which is an opening through the plate. Pivotally mounted on the plate is a rotatable disc carrying a series of numbers, preferably from 1 to 6, whereby par may be indicated for the next wicket as determined in each instance by the distance and minimum number of strokes which should be required to approach and put the ball through the wicket.

'Ihe purpose of the rotating disc is that the.

marker may be adaptable to different conditions according to the nature of the course chosen. In each case it is only necessary to set the disc to show the numeral for the number of sho'ts or strokes from the tee to the wicket. This disc is indicated at 10 as pivoted to the plate at `11 and held sufficiently ti ht to retaln any angular position given it. Also, on the plate is provided al space indicated at 13 in which the number of yards from the tee to the wicket may be marked. This may be done in various ways, for example, I show outwardly projecting ears 12, arranged in pairs yto hold a card on which the number of yards may be written. It will be seen, however, that this blank may be provided and a different surface treatment given it opposite the letters Yds, the surface being designed to permit application of lettering and erasure thereof, to allow for the changing of distance as desired.

The new feature of the game is emphasized when it is considered that the wicket takes thev place of the hole. The wicket is preferably constructed similar to the marker avin'g a wire l5 in Figs. 3 and 4, shown as circular at the upper portion and having parallel legs pointed at the lower end and made longer than those of the marker in order that thevlower edge of the plate 16 carried on the circular portion, may stand several inches above the ground, so that the ball may be driven or putted between the legs 15 to complete the play, that is, correspendingY to the holing out in the present golf game. The wicket plate may also bear any suitable legends but I prefer to provide 'it with a large prominently displayed number, so that for a nine wicket course, corresponding to a nine hole golf course, there would be nine of these wickets numbered from l to 9. Below the prominently displayed number -may be changeable indicia for the par strokes, to be set as determined before for the corresponding marker. A convenient and preferred form of accomplishing this as shown, consists of a movable indicator hand 20 pivoted on the face of the plate and above which in an arcuate arrangement are a series of numerals, preferably from l to 6, the numerals being designated Par this wicket and the hand being set for the par of that wicket correspending to the arrangement of that leg of the course.

The driving late shown in Fig. 2, preferably consists o a suitable disc 25 which may be of flat rubber sheet or a plate of material not likely to injure the clubs, and with or Without a downward projection or spike to which it may be quickly secured to the ground. On the upper side of the plate is secured by any suitable means, as by a cord 27, a ball support or tee 29, preferably made of soft rubber or similar material.

The composite parts required for a complete set of meadow golf as illustrated, are -tee plates which may be dispensed with if desired, but which afford convenience and adds to the game, and I find they are usually used. The upper row of wickets in Fig. 9 it will be noted, bear the numerals 1 to 9 inclusive, and the arcuately arranged par numerals 1 to 6, and a movable indicating hand. The lower row shows a complete set of markers which need not be numbered according to the tee but which bear the direction arrows and par indicia, as described, and the provision for the marking of the numbers of yards.

The game is played preferably about as follows. Assuming a suitable meadow is selected, the markers and wickets are ositioned to take the best advantage o the land, for natural hazards and for areas of sufficiently comparatively flat territory for the driving tee and wickets, so that the wickets may be surrounded with comparatively smooth ground for a short distance to facilitate putting. course, and being provided with golf clubs and balls the players place a ball on the tee, as shown in Fig. 1 and drive off in the direction of the first wicket, as indicated by the arrow on the first tee marker. For example, referring to Fig. 1 and assuming that the distance from the first tee to the first Wicket is approximately two hundred yards, it would likely be attempted to drive over the creek toward the wicket. A short approach or pitch for the second stroke should Having arranged the and sufficiently in line with the opening `thereof to allow a third stroke, in this case a putt, to put the ball through thewicket.

The other player or players Awould do the,

same, each according to his ability and then 'y for the next play, From another plate or mat adjacent tothe second marker A the players would driveq toward the second wicket. B and hole out through that wicket and so on throughout the course; the scores being kept as 1n the usual game of golf. Ground rules may be agreed upon, to suit the nature ofthe territory over which the course is marked. The probable roughness of the ground around the wicket somewhat alters the method of putting. However, the wicket is particularly adapted for facilititating putting under these conditions because it is only necessary to pass the ball through and a stroke strong enough to jump a standard hole is not fatal soy long as the ball is passed through the wicket. Therefore a forcible putt giving a more accurate` directiondn spite of the intervening irregularities, would accomplish the putt, providing the ball is so positioned that it may be passed through the wicket, if not, it is necessary to make an approach putt which must be judged for distance in an attempt to stop the ball in front of or behind the wicket to facilitate making the following vstroke, or strokes to pass the ball therethrough. y, Another adaptation of the idea contemplates conditions where the wickets are positioned near enough to render unnecessary the use of the tee marker. The neighborhood golf or lawn golf contemplates the positioning of the wickets at suitable comaratively short distances with intervening irregularities, hedges and the like as hazards,

so that short pitch or car ing strokes are necessar which with gol ers constitute a fascinatlng part of the regular game. In the lawn golf only one marker is needed and this is provided at the first tee, and then at each goal corresponding to the hole is a wicket which not only takes the place of the cup but indicates par to the next. wicket, it being assumed that in this gaine the pla er will tee ofll at some point adjacent to t e wicket, using the tee plate and tee if desired.A The first tee marker indicated at 30 in Fig. 10 is shown as constructed of a wire or rod formed as above 1 described and carrying a disc plate on vwhich may be marked a legend, such as Lawn wicket -golf and an arcuate series of numerals fromV 1 to 6 to indicate the par strokes to the first wicket by the use of the hand 31 pivoted on the plate, as previously' described. As the player moves from the first tee and the first wicket, it is desirable that he may again see before him ets designated 40, are carried two hands y and 34 preferably pivoted to the center of the plate and each coacting with av series of numerals to provide for a setting indicatmgI par strokes. These eight wickets are ali e except for the marking of the numbers thereon, `which are prominently displayed as shown. The ninth wicket needs no indication for the next par, being the last wicket to complete the game. Therefore, I use one hand as indicated at 42,

ivoted as previously described' and coacting with the numerals shown,and I lmay make provision for a marking space or card 45, as previously described, on which may be indicated al total par for any given setting of the wickets.

In playing lawn olf, the wickets may be arranged back and orth across a large lawn, even though it is provided with hedges, fountains, trees or any other intervening objects, a short stroke game may prove very fascinating. In such a case, the only clubs` necessary are the clubs used for short stroke in the present game of golf, such as the pitch strokes, mashie shots, back spin shots and putting.

A considerable number of these sets have been made and they have met with the approval and popularity of golfers, as well as novices at the game. It will at once be seen that, instead of the very large ex pense, to provide tee greens, fairways, putting greens, hazards, etc., constituting a standard golf course, I have made it possible to provide a golf course in almost any open space fromV the fields of the farm to the lawns of the city home for the extremely small expense of securing the apparatus described and the golf clubs and balls substantially as used in the standard game.

It is to be understood that in my game, the markers and wickets as described when positioned constitute a complete course. A most essential difference between my game andthe present golf Igame is the use of the wicket, whereby comparatively uneven yet satisfactory putting surfaces may be found most in many places over fields or lawns and yet the passing of the ball through the wicket may be accomplished with reasonable assurance, as compared to putting into av cup over such a surface.

As Stated, the invention contemplates thc stem of playing, following in principle s the usual method of playing standard golfplete co`urse over which my game of ,wicket golf may be played.

Itis to be understood that I make no claim to the methods or system of laying the game wherein it is identical with the present game. l do claim the use ot' wickets and the facilitation of the provision el a complete courseby my system, diiering from previous methods of playing goltl as defined in the appended claims.

lt is recognized that use ,has been made of captive tees heretofore, but my invention and system of playing includes this as a part of a complete game played over unpreparedterrain, where it would have heretofore been considered impossible to play `anything corresponding to golf.

Having thus described my invention,

' what I claim is:

1. A golf game having tees and goals arranged to constitute a course, the goals comprising wickets having upright members between which the ball must be stroked, goal markers lassociated with. said goal wickets, and tee markers arranged to be inserted in the ground in proximity to goals to indicate the direction from the tee to the next succeeding goal and the par strokes to such goal.

2. A portable golf gameconsisting of a provision of a portable tee plate to be put on uneven ground and thus provide a flat surface, markers comprising plates each having a leg portion to be inserted in the ground for indicating direction to the successive goals, and goals constituting wickets.

3. A portable golf game consisting of a provision of a tee plate to be put on uneven ground and afford a fiat surface, markers indicating direction to the successive goals, said goals constituting wickets, the wickets and markers having projections allowing them to be positioned by being thrust into the ground.

4. A golf game having goals for each leg of the course formed of separated uprights carrying a plate having an indicator thereon corresponding to the number of the leg of the course and having marking for par strokes for the corresponding tee, the completion of a leg of the course being accomplished by passing the ball through the wicket.

A golf game consisting of a series of 'ickets through which the ball must be passed to Complete a leg of the course, and,

bearing series of numerals and an indicator adapted to point out any one of them to indicate par strokes from the corresponding tee position.

6. A game 'ot' golf consisting of tees and wickets for goals, the reach from the tees to the wickets constituting successive legs ofthe course, markers to indicate the direction from a tee to a goal, and markers associated with the wickets to identify the goals, the markers and wickets, being adapted to be positioned by thrusting supporting members linto the ground, it being necessary that the ball passl through the wicket to complete a leg.

7. A game of golfl consisting of tees and wickets, tee markers comprising discs and supporting members adapted to be positioned by thrusting the supporting members into the ground, goal markers associated with the wickets, the wickets constituting goals through which the ball must be passed, the teel markers bearing means indicating direction and the number of yards to the next wicket and the goal markers bearing changeable indicia for the par strokes.

8.1A golf game including markers for the tee positions and goals consisting of wickets through which the ball must be passed to complete the respective legs ot' the course, the markers and wickets having downwardly projecting members adapted to be thrust into the ground at any desired point and each having a plate carrying indicia of direction, number of the leg, par strokes and number of yards, all being adapted to cbangeto suit the conditions ot the course and to correspond to the conditions determining the respective pars.

9. A golf game includingv tee markers, and goal members, the tee markers having downwardly projecting pointed legs adapted to be thrust into the ground and carrying flat surfaces on which indicia ot' direction and distance may be marked, the goals consisting of projections adapted to bethrust into the ground and separated to form wickets and each carrying a plate on which may be marked the number' of the goal and changeable indicia for par strokes to reach the same.

10. A game of wicket golf intended to be played over ground not otherwise prepared for golf, and including markers for tee positions and goal wickets substantially as described, tee plates for placement at the successive driving positions and on each of which is carried a suitable captive driving tee.

11. A game of wicket golf such as described intended to be played over ground not otherwise prepared for golf and including markers for tee ositions and goal wickets, a tee plate having means for conveniently securing it to the ground, and a driving tee supported on the tee plate.

In testimony whereof, I hereunto affix my signature.

HARRY C. GAMMETER. 

